Saint Delphinus of Bordeaux

In 380, he was called to the Council of Zarag oza, in Spain, where he contributed greatly to the condemnation of the h eretics Pri scillian, Belvide, Salvian, and Instantius. He then withdrew to his diocese to prevent these monsters, who had not wished to appear at the council, from spreading the poison of their errors there. This precaution and diligence were absolutely necessary; for the heretics, resolved to go and implore the protection of the emperor, passed through France and infected the city of Eauze and the entire diocese (the current diocese of Auch) with their pernicious doctrine. From there, they went to Bordeaux to spread their venom there as well. Delphin did not sleep, but, like a good shepherd, he watched over his flock; thus, he discovered their disastrous design and reduced them so much that they were forced to abandon all of Aquitaine and fle e to Ital y. He was not content with taking away their means of harming his sheep: he also assembled (in 385) in his episcopal city a council where Priscillian and Instantius, whom those of their party had made bishops, were declared unworthy, stripped of all ecclesiastical dignity, and condemned again. Our holy prelate displayed admirable prudence and firmness there, and if others had imitated his zeal, they would have cut the root of many evils that this uprising of the heretics produced in the Church.

What makes Saint Delphin further illustrious is that he entirely persuaded Saint Paulinus (la ter Bishop of Nola) to undertake a perfect life, that he catechized him, baptized him, and gave him the first instructions of the spiritual life. These benefits obliged Saint Paulinus to be grateful to him all his life; indeed, one cannot add anything to the testimonies of esteem, respect, and gratitude that he offers him in the five epistles he wrote to him.

Saint Delphin was also extremely united with Saint Phoebadius, Bishop of A gen, and both were also very much so with Saint Ambrose of Milan. They both had an ordinary exchange o f letters with this holy doctor, but only one addressed to both of them has been preserved for us. One sees there that their union was so close that they preferred that one write to them by a common letter rather than to each in particular, their mutual affection not being able to suffer that one should even separate their names.

It is believed that Saint Delphin built a church in Langon (Gironde, arrondissement of Bazas). Full of days and merits, he passed away in Borde aux, on a December 24th, at the beginning of the 5th century.

Father Gury supp lemented with the Gall ia christiana nova.